Dudhsagar waterfalls offer the most affordable and breathtaking adventure for explorers. It was
the post-monsoon season when a group of friends, including some random acquaintances, planned a
one-day trip to Dudhsagar. We embarked on the train from Hubli Junction at night, and during the
four-hour journey, we passed the time by chatting and laughing with our mixed group of friends. As
we approached Castle Rock station, the thick ghat sections with tunnels and shallow mountains
began. Since there's no official stop or station at Dudhsagar, many people disembarked at Castle
Rock, thinking the train might not stop at Dudhsagar. However, about 1 km before Dudhsagar Falls,
the train halts for 1-2 minutes. This stop is right after passing the 19th tunnel, which can be
quite dark and eerie since it happens at 3 am, with thick forests and railway tracks adding to the
spookiness. So, many people got off at Castle Rock, fearing the train wouldn't stop at Dudhsagar,
and if that happened, they would have to get off at Kulem station, which is 14 kms from Dudhsagar.
In reality, Dudhsagar is situated almost equidistant from Castlerock and Kulem and is in between
both stations. So, we decided not to disembark at Castle Rock station, hoping the train would stop
at Dudhsagar.
As the train continued from Castle Rock around 1 am, the atmosphere outside became increasingly
eerie with the surrounding forest, and the leaves of the trees seemed to be reaching into the
windows. We began counting tunnels to know when to prepare for our stop. I leaned out of the
window to catch a glimpse of the warm, golden headlight of the engine beaming into the dark
tunnels during curves. People on the train were shouting and screaming for fun as their voices
echoed through the tunnels.
The train suddenly slowed down after a few tunnels, but we knew it wasn't the right time to jump.
After a few minutes, it started again as if waiting for a signal change. Finally, after the 18th
tunnel, the train came to a stop. It was pitch dark outside, with no platform, no lights. I could
only see the signal pole's green or red light in the midst of the dark, thick mountains. Everyone
began disembarking, urging us to jump. Our group let the girls go first. There were ten of us
waiting in line to jump out, one by one. I was the last in line, waiting for my turn. Only two
friends remained to jump when the train suddenly started moving at full speed. They jumped, and
then it was my turn. I took the risk, uncertain about how I would land as it was a bed of gravel.
I jumped, and luckily, I landed safely. It was an adrenaline rush, and I was both confused and
relieved. The train disappeared within seconds. All of us regrouped, made sure everyone was safe,
and turned on our torches for some light. We walked for 800 meters, and as we continued along the
tracks, the vibrations of the waterfall became stronger.
It was 3 am, and I could see the white silhouette of the waterfall with mist spraying as we
approached it. We found a bench and sat down to rest and enjoy the moment. By 6 am, the beautiful
waterfall was in full view, cascading down from the tall mountains, creating a milky spectacle as
it flowed over the rocks. The crowd started to grow as more people who had disembarked at Castle
Rock station arrived, walking 10 kms.
We took some great photos and continued to explore, leaving the falls behind. As we walked
further, we decided to have breakfast, but the monkeys were quite a nuisance. I and some other
boys opted to go down to where the main waterfall reached, and it was a steep and adventurous
trek. We loved the thick branches that supported us on the trail. After 15 minutes of descent, we
reached the bottom, took a dip in the fast-flowing cold water, and swam with the help of branches
for some fun and relaxation. After all the fun at the bottom, we freshened up and started the
ascent. We reached the top, where our other friends were relaxing.
By then, it was around 10 pm, and we had to walk 12 kms on the railway tracks to reach Kulem
station and catch the return train in the evening. We chatted, listened to music, told stories,
and laughed as we walked, making sure to step away from the tracks when a train passed by.
The weather was quite unpredictable, with sudden rain and unexpected sunshine. Along the way, we
found small streams for hydration, lush greenery, and breathtaking mountains. Our legs started to
ache as we walked, and we finally reached Kulem station. Before reaching Kulem, the forest
department conducted a check, as trekking on railway tracks is illegal. One of our friends who
knew Konkani talked to the police and managed to reduce the fine, which was a relief. We waited at
Kulem station and caught the return train. It was indeed a beautiful and short adventurous trip.
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